Not so very long ago, buying a new or used car meant hunting around nearby dealerships or searching the local press for the best deals. However, just like so many other areas of life, the widespread adoption of the internet and social media has completely transformed the modern-day car buying process, giving far more options to prospective buyers.
The benefits of buying a car over the internet
The growth of the internet is changing all facets of retail globally and has recently started to have an impact on how people make larger purchases like cars and even homes. Buying online has considerable advantages over being limited by your local market, including:
A greater range of vehicles to choose from: Clearly, the tremendous reach of the internet means buying online will give you considerably more choice and diversity than you will ever be able to find if you limit your searches to just local dealers or private sellers. These days, most dealerships have expanded their services online – even more so in light of the recent lockdowns and physical isolation caused by Coronavirus. Checking for your next car online could see you searching the records of dealers as wide apart as a sales company in Edinburgh or an Essex car sales firm.
A bigger diversity of cars also means a vast range of prices: It should go without saying that being able to browse more cars also means you will be able to choose from a considerably larger range of prices to find the best deal. However, you should always bear in mind the usual checks and considerations you would make if buying in real life to ensure you avoid buying a problematic vehicle.
The convenience of browsing online 24/7/365 unfettered by opening hours: Searching for cars online is much more convenient than having to visit dealerships in person – plus many dealership sites these days feature considerably more detailed information about their cars than you would likely be offered by a salesperson.
Avoiding pushy salespeople: Many car dealers have an unfavourable reputation for pushing a sale at all costs, often leaving prospective purchasers feeling stressed or pressured. With an internet car salesroom, you can take your time to thoroughly research each vehicle without the high-pressure sales tactics that are sometimes employed by dealership staff.
The time and money savings of buying online: Visiting dealerships in person is not just inconvenient, it also takes considerable time going from showroom to showroom (plus will likely cost you money driving between each).
No haggling: While many traditional dealerships are increasingly moving to a no-haggle model, online the dealers have no choice regarding offering fixed pricing. This means they have to accurately assess the value of a vehicle as they are aware buyers have far greater access to the prices offered by other dealers or private sellers for the same or similar vehicles. This no-haggle approach to pricing means it is much more likely you will be able to pick up a genuine bargain at a great price – without all the hassle and stress of bartering.